The Met Gala has always been the ultimate convergence of art, celebrity, and style but in recent years, technology has taken center stage. At the 2024 Met Gala, themed ‘Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,’ the fusion of fashion and technology reached new heights. No longer confined to textiles and tailoring, couture is now interacting with artificial intelligence, immersive digital landscapes, and kinetic engineering.
One of the standout tech moments from the 2024 gala was OpenAI’s contribution, a bespoke, 1930s-style AI narrator that guided guests through the exhibit. This AI bot told the story of fashion’s evolution, blending historical context with cutting-edge storytelling. It wasn’t just informative; it was atmospheric, a striking example of how artificial intelligence can enrich human experiences rather than replace them.
Tech wasn't limited to the sidelines. Designer Iris van Herpen collaborated with Indian entrepreneur Mona Patel to debut a gown that truly moved. Featuring kinetic butterfly sculptures created by artist Casey Curran, the dress responded to movement and light, embodying the ‘Garden of Time’ theme in real-time. This marriage of mechanics and haute couture hinted at the growing presence of wearable technology not for utility, but as a living art form.
Long before this year’s gala, designers like Zac Posen were pioneering 3D modeling in fashion. By embracing digital sculpting tools, Posen created garments that challenged the conventions of fabric, form, and stitch. His work laid the foundation for the broader adoption of technology in design studios, allowing for unprecedented precision and creativity.
As the physical and digital worlds increasingly intertwine, the Met Gala may be poised to leap into the metaverse. Virtual fashion shows, digital-only garments, and avatar-based couture are already gaining traction. Could future Met Galas feature dual experiences—one in New York and one online, in a fully immersive virtual environment? Technology is already here, and the fashion world is watching closely.
The evolution of the Met Gala into a tech-forward spectacle marks a larger shift in the fashion industry. AI, motion tech, and digital design are no longer novelties—they are tools shaping the future of couture. As these innovations gain momentum, the Met Gala isn't just a celebration of fashion’s past—it’s a bold vision of its future.
